Glory be to Jesus Christ! Glory forever!
Today begins the annual Nativity Fast. I’ll post some guidelines below. May God grant you good strength!
This Saturday evening, our Vespers service will be a “pan-Orthodox” one, as well be joined by clergy and faithful of our local sister churches. We are asked to some refreshments, so if you are able to help bring something, put on coffee etc, please let me know.
Come out and worship and fellowship with our greater WNY Orthodox community!
Schedule:
- Saturday
- 5PM Great Vespers
- Pan-Orthodox fellowship
- Sunday
- 9AM Sunday Matins
- 10AM Divine Liturgy
- 11:30 Coffee Fellowship
Good Strength!
prb
Nativity Fast
The fast traditionally entails fasting from red meat, poultry, meat products, eggs, dairy products, fish, oil, and wine. Fish, wine and oil are allowed on Saturdays and Sundays as well as most Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays for the first part of the Fast (up till 12/20).
The fasting rules also permit fish, wine and oil on certain feast days that occur during the course of the fast: Evangelist Matthew(November 16), Apostle Andrew (November 30), Great-martyr Barbara (December 4), St. Nicholas (December 6), St. Spiridon and St. Herman (December 13), St. Ignatius(December 20), etc. The Nativity Fast is not as severe as Great Lent or the Dormition Fast.
As is always the case with fasting rules, persons who are ill, the very young or elderly, and nursing mothers are exempt from fasting. Each individual is expected to confer with their spiritual father regarding any exemptions from the fasting rules, but should never place themselves in physical danger.
The Eve of Nativity is considered a strict fast day. There are traditions for a festive fasting meal that evening. See Fr Raphael if you’d like to learn more.
